Are you a content creator or influencer receiving PR packages filled with free products? While it’s exciting to get your hands on those goodies, I hate to tell you that you might be among the countless creators that are not taking full advantage of the products they’re being sent by brands.
Spoiler alert: posting a quick unboxing story is not making the most of your PR.
The ‘gifts’ that brands send creators are way more than just free stuff. They actually hold the potential to boost our income—if we know how to use them strategically.
Yes, you can actually make money off your PR products. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to transform turn those products into profit… The wrong way being, selling them.
(Watch the video-version of this post on YouTube)
*Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on them and make a purchase, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.*
How PR Products can Become an Income Stream (If Used Correctly)
Getting free products from brands is often a huge milestone for content creators. Believe me, I’ve been there–posting in the hopes of just being noticed by a big brand.
But here’s the truth: free shampoo and lipstick don’t pay your bills.
And so as soon as this milestone is hit, most creators shift their focus to paid partnerships, especially when their shelves are already overflowing with PR products.
However, savvy creators know that these items can be powerful tools for building your brand and earning money.
The key? Stop seeing PR products as just freebies. Instead, view them as opportunities to create strategic content that can lead to affiliate income, long-term partnerships, and more.
Not receiving PR Products yet? This post will open the floodgates.
Step 1: Build Your Content Bank
The first thing you should do when you receive a PR package is document it properly. Don’t just snap one quick photo for your Instagram story and move on. Take your time to photograph and video the product from multiple angles—think in-the-box, out-of-the-box, and close-up shots. This “content bank” will be a lifesaver when you’re ready to create posts later.
Shoot in both vertical and horizontal formats for flexibility.
Use props like mirrors, flowers, or backdrops to elevate your shots.
Capture product details, swatches, and even hands-on demos if possible.
Pro Tip: Invest in simple tools like vinyl waterproof backdrops or aesthetic props to enhance your visuals without overcomplicating the process. Your future self will thank you when these polished visuals become the foundation of your content.
Step 2: Leverage Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing might not sound glamorous, but it’s a fantastic way to monetize your PR content. Here’s how to make it work for you:
Go beyond Instagram: Focus on evergreen platforms like your blog, YouTube and Pinterest, where content has a longer shelf life compared to Instagram stories that expire in 24 hours.
Create product-specific posts: Write detailed blog posts, record YouTube videos, or make Pinterest pins about the product. Use SEO tools like Keysearch can help you identify prioritize products with high search demand.
- Expand with Generalized Content: Create posts like “Top 10 Drugstore Lip Tints” or “Best Beauty Products Under $20. This type of content allows you to feature multiple PR products, offering more value to your audience, while maximizing affiliate opportunities!
Did you know? If you use Amazon affiliate links, you’ll earn a commission on everything the user buys—not just the product you linked. That’s right; someone clicking your link to buy lipstick could end up getting a barbecue grill, and you’d still earn a percentage.
Step 3: Tap into Ad Revenue
The beauty of creating content on YouTube and your Blog is that the above posts can do double duty!
Targeting high search terms as you create your content will increase the amount of traffic you receive. And more traffic means additional income through AdSense or other Ad partnership programs.
Step 4: Use PR Content to Build Partnerships
Here’s a golden nugget: PR products are a great way to showcase your skills to brands. If a brand is already sending you PR, it means they see value in you. Use that opportunity to create high-quality content that demonstrates your creativity and storytelling abilities. Think of it as a portfolio piece that could lead to paid collaborations.
When pitching a brand, point to content you’ve already created featuring their product. Highlight its performance—engagement rates, shares, and audience reactions. This approach shows the brand you’re serious, talented, and worth investing in.
Step 5: Unlock Amazon Influencer Opportunities
If you’re part of Amazon’s Influencer Program, you can upload video clips or photos of PR products directly to Amazon’s product pages. This is another easy way to monetize your content. Include quick product demos or swatches, and make sure to add a voiceover to boost discoverability.
Don’t forget to disclose that the product was gifted—it’s not only ethical but required. Transparency builds trust with your audience, which is key for long-term success.
Conclusion: Make PR Products Work for You
PR products are more than just freebies—they’re opportunities waiting to be unlocked. Whether you’re leveraging affiliate marketing, building your portfolio, or tapping into platforms like YouTube and Pinterest, these strategies can help you turn those gifted items into real income.
So get on out there and start creating content!
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